Common Auto Insurance Questions Answered
Do I really need Auto Insurance?
Technically, yes, since it's required by law in 49 of 50 states. Even the exception, New Hampshire, requires it if you've had traffic violations or a collision.
Beyond the law, auto insurance is an important protection for the health, well-being, and financial stability of you and your family. It can make sure that if there is a collision, everyone in the vehicle will receive proper medical care and the vehicle itself will be repaired or replaced. It even protects you from lawsuits.
How do I get an auto insurance quote?
You could spend hours on the phone talking to agents and getting sales pitches—or you can just enter in some basic information into our auto insurance quote machine to get quotes from all the top auto insurance companies available to you in just moments.
Save your time and sanity as well as hundreds of dollars every year.
Information you'll need ready includes:
- The year, make, model, and mileage of your vehicle.
- Information about your driving record and any collisions you've been in.
- Information about your location.
- The coverage you desire.
How can I get big savings on auto insurance?
There are lots of steps you can take, some requiring more time than others.
- Drive less in a year.
- Get a defensive driving course certificate.
- Add extra safety features and anti-theft devices.
- Improve your credit score.
- Ask for discounts.
- Use instant online auto insurance quotes.
Is it super expensive to get auto insurance for teenage drivers?
That really depends. Teenage girls tend to get very affordable auto insurance, but teenage boys do cost a lot.
In either case, you can lower their auto insurance rates by:
- Adding them to your policy.
- Enrolling them in a defensive driving course.
- Getting them a safe automobile.
- Showing the auto insurance provider good report cards.
Should I set a high or low deductible?
Most experts feel it is best to set the deductible as high as you can and still afford to pay it when the time comes. Why? Because higher deductibles mean lower auto insurance premiums.
HINT: Set the deductible amount aside in a savings account so that it will be ready when you need it.
Why does my credit score matter?
Insurance experts believe that there is a strong statistical correlation between good credit and safe drivers. People with high credit scores tend to file fewer claims than people with poor credit.
It doesn't take long to improve your credit. Three years of wise spending and timely loan and debt payments can turn even bankruptcy into desirability.
Who is covered to drive my car?
Auto insurance is generally for a vehicle, not just the primary driver. For this reason, other people can occasionally drive your automobile and receive the benefit of your auto insurance. However, if they drive the vehicle regularly, you are probably required to list this person as a driver on your auto insurance policy.
Some auto insurance companies may require notification if another person will be driving the vehicle.